10 Days Tanzania safari and zanzibar
10 Days, 9 Nights
Price On Request
Tour Overview
Planning a trip to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, which combines thrilling wildlife encounters with relaxing beach time in Zanzibar, offers an unforgettable combination of adventure and serenity. This 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar itinerary is based on years of experience exploring East Africa’s diverse landscapes, so you can see the best of the region’s national parks and coastal gems without feeling rushed.
As someone who has guided countless visitors through these areas, I recommend focusing on authentic experiences like seeing the Big Five in person or relaxing on pristine sands, all while staying in comfortable lodges that combine local charm with modern amenities. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this route highlights Tanzania’s raw beauty and Zanzibar’s tropical allure, with a focus on ease of travel and maximum enjoyment.
Tour Summary
Day 1
Arusha (arrival)
Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Lake Manyara National Park
Accommodation: Country Lodge at Karatu
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – 5
Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Into the wild Africa
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Country Lodge at Karatu
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7-10
Zanzibar Beach Tour
Accommodation: Nungwi Beach Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day by day
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
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Your journey begins on Day 1 with an arrival in Arusha, Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Your journey begins on Day 1 with an arrival in Arusha, Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. After landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a private transfer will take you to Tulia Boutique Hotel, a cozy spot nestled among lush gardens that provides a tranquil introduction to the country. After landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a private transfer will take you to Tulia Boutique Hotel, a cozy spot nestled among lush gardens that provides a tranquil introduction to the country.
Spend the afternoon settling in, perhaps strolling the grounds or sipping fresh coffee as you adjust to the time difference. Arusha is at a comfortable elevation, so take it easy to avoid altitude effects, and if you’re up for it, stop by a nearby market to try local fruits like passion or mangoes. This initial downtime sets a relaxed tone, preparing you for the upcoming wildlife adventures.
Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park
On Day 2, you’ll be ready to explore nature at Lake Manyara National Park, which is only a short drive from Arusha. This small but diverse park delights visitors with a soda lake teeming with flamingos and hippos as well as acacia woodlands where tree-climbing lions frequently lounge in branches overhead. Your game drive will reveal elephants munching on vegetation and baboons scampering around, providing insights into the park’s unique groundwater-forest ecosystem, which supports over 400 bird species.
As evening falls, head to Country Lodge in Karatu, a welcoming retreat with spacious rooms that overlook the highlands. You can reflect on the day’s sightings over a hearty dinner of Tanzanian staples like ugali and grilled meats, gaining a better understanding of how these protected areas preserve biodiversity in the face of growing human pressures.
Accommodation: Country Lodge at Karatu
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3-5: Serengeti National Park
From Days 3 to 5, the adventure ramps up in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s crown jewel for endless plains and dramatic migrations. Drive through the vast savanna, where herds of wildebeest and zebras roam freely depending on the season. Mornings include guided drives to track predators such as cheetahs on the hunt or leopards in rocky kopjes, while afternoons may include a picnic lunch under a shady tree, watching the interplay of light and shadow across the grasslands.
The Serengeti teaches patience and wonder, as you learn about conservation efforts to combat poaching and habitat loss. Your base at Into Wild Camp immerses you in the bush with tented suites that resemble the wilderness, complete with solar-powered amenities and nightly campfire stories from experienced guides who share Maasai traditions connected to the land.
Accommodation: Into the wild Africa
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater
On Day 6, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site that resembles a natural amphitheater filled with wildlife. This ancient caldera is home to one of Africa’s densest animal populations, including black rhinos grazing peacefully and hyenas scavenging at dawn.
A full-day tour reveals the crater’s micro-ecosystems, including soda lakes and forests, where you may see rare sightings such as serval cats. The cooler crater floor provides relief from the heat, and your guide’s knowledge demonstrates how volcanic soil enriches the area, sustaining everything from flamingos to massive bull elephants. Returning to Tulia Boutique Hotel in Arusha that evening provides familiarity and comfort, as well as the opportunity to unwind and possibly book a spa session to soothe safari-weary muscles.
Accommodation: Country Lodge at Karatu
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7-10: Zanzibar Island
From Days 7 to 10, fly to Zanzibar for pure relaxation at Nungwi Beach, where turquoise waters meet powdery white sands. Nungwi Beach Resort offers oceanfront villas and direct access to vibrant coral reefs, making this northern tip of the island feel worlds away from the dust of the mainland. Morning snorkeling among colorful fish and sea turtles reveals Zanzibar’s marine biodiversity, which is important to local fishing communities. Afternoons are spent wandering spice farms, tasting cloves and vanilla, and learning about the island’s history as a trading hub that influenced Swahili culture.
Evenings feature sunset dhow cruises or fresh seafood dinners under the stars, fostering connections with locals who share their experiences with sustainable tourism. Use these days to recharge, perhaps by practicing yoga on the beach or exploring nearby villages, to ensure your trip ends on a peaceful note.
This itinerary alternates between high-energy safaris and relaxing beach days, relying on trusted routes that prioritize ethical wildlife viewing and community support. Pack light layers for changing weather, use sunscreen liberally, and consider travel insurance for peace of mind. Tanzania and Zanzibar reward those who approach with respect, providing memories that will last long after you return home.
Price
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Inclusions
- All airport transfers
- All accommodations
- 4*4 safari Jeep
- Professional safari guide
- Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Flying doctor for all emergencies
- First aid kit
- Mineral water during the safari
- Park entrance fees
- Taxes
Exclusions
- Visa
- Beverages Drinks
- Visa fee
- Tip for the safari guide
- Travel insurance
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Travel between parks is usually in private 4×4 safari vehicles with experienced guides. Zanzibar is reached by a domestic flight from Arusha or Dar es Salaam.
During the safari, you stay in luxury lodges or tented camps in or near the parks. In Zanzibar, you can enjoy beach resorts, boutique hotels, or private villas.
Yes, the itinerary is family-friendly and ideal for first-time travelers, but some activities, like long game drives, may be tiring for very young children.
Travelers should have a yellow fever vaccination (depending on origin), routine immunizations, and comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, a jacket for mornings/evenings, swimwear, binoculars, and a camera.
